Whether you are new to the area, or you’ve lived here your whole life, you are aware of the events that take place at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Some make sure to watch every launch from a specific location, while others can’t help but to feel the rumble from the sonic boom. Whether you’re interested in Science and Space or not, the launches from Kennedy Space Center are quite intriguing.

On January 27^th, SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, announced that the Falcon Heavy is set to launch on Tuesday, February 6^th, 2018. It is said to be “one of the most anticipated launches in recent history” (FALCON HEAVY TEST FLIGHT, 2018). At this time, there is not a specific launch time; however, the three-hour launch window will open at 1:30 p.m. EST with a backup launch date available the following day. The Falcon Heavy rocket will lift off from the historic Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. This is the same launch pad that was used for NASA’s Apollo moon missions and space shuttle flights.

Once Falcon Heavy lifts off, “it will be the most powerful operational rocket in the world” (Falcon Heavy, n.d.); capable of lifting more than twice the payload of Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost. Falcon Heavy is “the most cost-effective heavy launch vehicle in the world” (Falcon Heavy, n.d.). With 27 first-stage engines, it can sustain more than one engine shutdown and still successfully complete its mission. SpaceX’s website goes on to brag that “the liftoff of the Falcon Heavy equals approximately eighteen 747 aircraft at full power” (Falcon Heavy, n.d.). Falcon Heavy is considered to be cost-effective because it allows more than 140,000 pounds of cargo and SpaceX has figured out how to save on manufacturing by having the first-stage boosters land back on Earth to be used again on future launches. Considered a “cheaper rocket” when compared to its competitors, Falcon Heavy starts at around $90 million per flight.

Musk encourages people to come down to Cape Canaveral to see the Falcon Heavy mission first-hand, claiming, “it’s guaranteed to be exciting” (Malik, 2018). There are launch viewing packages available from $35 per person to the already-sold-out $195 per person. Restaurants are anticipating large crowds of individuals wanting to catch a glimpse of history. If you are unable to view the launch in person, be sure to watch it live HERE. Whichever way you choose to enjoy the launch, we hope that you take advantage of this opportunity we have by living in Brevard county.

For more information, be sure to follow Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex on Facebook and Twitter

References:

Falcon Heavy. (n.d.). Retrieved 02 02, 2018, from Spacex: http://www.spacex.com/falcon-heavy

FALCON HEAVY TEST FLIGHT. (2018). Retrieved 02 02, 2018, from The Kennedy Space Center: https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches-and-events/events-calendar/falcon-heavy-launches

Foust, J. (2018, 01 27). SpaceX sets first Falcon Heavy launch for Feb. 6. Retrieved 02 02, 2018, from Space News: http://spacenews.com/spacex-sets-first-falcon-heavy-launch-for-feb-6/

Grush, L. (2018, 02 02). A successful SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch gives NASA new options. Retrieved 02 02, 2018, from The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/2/16954582/spacex-falcon-heavy-rocket-launch-impact-nasa-deep-space-travel

Malik, T. (2018, 01 28). SpaceX’s First Falcon Heavy Rocket Test Launch Set for Feb. 6. Retrieved 02 02, 2018, from Space: https://www.space.com/39519-spacex-first-falcon-heavy-rocket-launch-date.html

The Center of Florida’s Aerospace Economy. (n.d.). Retrieved 02 02, 2018, from North Brevard: https://www.northbrevard.biz/economic-data